Went to the doctor and found my cholesterol is a little high. And, I’ve been working to improve my health and diet is, of course, a main focus for good health. One of the little habits I’ve enjoyed for years is drinking tea every morning (feeling a little smug that I’m not a regular coffee drinker). And I have very evolved tea taste. I used to think I was evolved when I enjoyed earl gray tea years ago. But after a while, a true tea enthusiast will not want a flavored tea. Earl gray is flavored with the rind of a bergamot orange, in case you didn’t know. So for the past 10 years or so, I’ve been drinking a small tea pot of black tea every morning. I love a good Darjeeling, but generally a cup of PG Tips will do. PG Tips is a brand from the UK, “UK’s number one tea” they proclaim. It’s called “tips” because it is cut from the tips of the tea leaf.
My morning tea was a ritual, making the PG Tips. I always used the same small white porcelain tea pot, unless I wanted up to four cups, then I would use my larger chintz tea pot. I’d pour a little hot water in first to rinse it out and warm the pot, then drain. Then add the tea and hot water. It’s best to catch the water just before it boils. Then I would set the tea pot down, covered with the tea cozy that a friend brought me from India, made at an orphanage. I’d then figure out what else I was having with my morning tea, perhaps toast, or perhaps taking some waffles out of the freezer. I’d then enjoy my tea with a partial tea spoon of raw sugar, or Turbinado sugar as it is called, from Hawaii. This is my favorite way to start any morning. I serve it up in actual white porcelain cups and saucers, or choose one of my chintz cups and saucers. It is indeed a proper cup of tea.
But these days I’m looking at ways to improve my health habits, and I know the beneficial effects of green tea. I’ve sacrificed my endearing tea ritual for a cup of green tea on most mornings now. I don’t have sugar with my green tea, so I’ve cut my sugar consumption because of this new choice. While the taste may not be quite as pleasing, I’ve actually grown to look forward to the slightly bitter green tea taste in the mornings. It feels and tastes good and healthy, like I am cleansing myself when I drink it. I make a mug of the green tea, without the pot and tea cup ritual. It is a much simpler experience that I’ve also grown to enjoy in itself.
I believe I’m improving my health by drinking green tea, which is said to be rich in anti-oxidants. I am feeling better and some of my medical metrics appear to be coming more in line. I’m making other small changes in my diet as well. I like it when I can make small changes, adjust to them so that they seem like no big deal at all. After a while, I believe the small changes add up. And when it comes to enjoying a real cup of black tea these days, complete with the ritual, I still do once in a while. And that makes it even more special.
